"The key about losing weight: You have to do it for you," Hudson told PEOPLE on the red carpet before the taping of the 2014 BET Honors – airing Feb. 24 at 9 p.m. EST on BET – in Washington, D.C., on Saturday. "It's not about even starting the journey, it's about you. You have to want to do it. And you can't let what everyone has to say overshadow what you want for you."

As for Hudson – who paid tribute to Aretha Franklin, who was honored for her contributions to the musical arts – she's staying svelte by "tracking my points – sticking with the plan with Weight Watchers. That's what I try to do and take it with me everywhere I go."

While she demurred when asked how the wedding planning was coming, she happily shared that she's still getting used to her new cropped 'do. So does it amp up her sexy factor? "I'm still finding my niche with it and having fun with it," replied Hudson. "I'm like, 'I like this short thing.' I'm just embracing it."